Course

Safety engineering

Academic Degree

Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.)

Standard period of study

7 Semester

Study start

Summer and winter semester

Admission restriction

Admission-free

Form of study

Fulltime

Institute

Institute of Natural Sciences

Study location

Mülheim an der Ruhr

Accreditation

Accredited

Startseite // Study // Degree Programmes

Drei Studierende der Sicherheitstechnik arbeiten an einer Platine. — © response Fotografie

SAFE TECHNOLOGY FOR A SAFE WORLD

Constantly increasing demands on modern technology mean that traditional proofs of safety, quality, and reliability are reaching their limits. For example, cars, trains, airplanes, machines, production plants, computers, and robots today have far greater functionality than earlier generations. Safety engineering opens up new opportunities to design modern technologies in a way that is safe and reliable for people and the environment, as well as to evaluate and assess them.

Zwei Studierende und ein wissenschaftlicher Mitarbeiter arbeiten einen Schaltboard im Lehrlabor Sicherheitstechnik. — © Response Fotografie

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT

The degree programme focuses on functional safety. You will be qualified to help design systems, vehicles, processes and software in such a way that they do not cause any damage to people, the environment or the systems themselves during operation.

You will learn the basics of safety technology and engineering. This includes Boolean algebra, probability theory, technology vocabulary as well as some computer science, some mechanics, some design theory and a little electrical engineering.

You can deepen your knowledge in elective modules, projects and internships at the university and in the practical semester in companies.

Ein Bild von mehreren Personen die am Tisch sitzen. Einer von Ihnen zeigt jemand anderen etwas auf dem Monitor vor Ihnen.

Programme contents

In the first semesters, the basic subjects of safety engineering, information technology and engineering sciences as well as mathematics are offered. From the 4th semester onwards, depending on your interests, you can choose to attend lectures, practical courses, seminars, laboratories, your project and Bachelor's thesis from the following professional fields:

Functional safety (e.g. road safety engineering).
People and technology (e.g. screen design, user design).
Quality management (Black Belt qualification).
Reliability engineering (e.g. simulation, tools, predictions).

Career Prospects

Safety engineers are highly sought-after professionals in the labour market. Functional safety is a field of work and research that is scarcely represented at German universities but is in great demand by industry and organisations. The role of safety engineers is as varied as it is engaging.

You conduct analyses, verifications, and risk assessments.
You develop solutions that meet the requirements of clients and international safety standards.
You perform functional tests, simulations, and failure scenario analyses to verify and validate the safety and reliability of systems.
You document your work for clients, regulatory authorities, and other organisations.
You provide consultancy services to companies and organisations.

Grafische Darstellung einer vernetzten digitalen Industrieumgebung mit Symbolen zu IoT, KI, Robotik und Datenanalyse. — © iStock

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MASTER'S DEGREE PROGRAMME IN FUNCTIONAL SAFETY

With a Bachelor’s degree in Safety Engineering, you may enrol directly in the Master’s programme in either the winter or summer semester. This programme provides advanced knowledge and skills that build upon those acquired during the Bachelor’s degree.

Upon completion of the Master’s programme in Functional Safety, you will be excellently prepared for advanced roles in engineering. Furthermore, it opens up the opportunity to pursue a doctoral degree in one of the most exciting fields within engineering.

Thus, the Bachelor’s degree programme in Safety Engineering constitutes a solid foundation for a career in engineering.

FURTHER INFORMATIONS

Ein moderner Zug gleitet auf einer Hochgeschwindigkeitstrasse. Im Hintergrund sieht ma eine grüne Wiese und ein Windrad. — © istock

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RAIL INDUSTRY

The focus here lies on the safety of passenger and freight transport as well as infrastructure. You ensure the safe and reliable operation of vehicles and safety-critical systems. In the course of their work, safety engineers employ state-of-the-art tools to identify potential hazards and resolve issues.

Studierende untersuchen ein Elektroauto auf dem Campus; eine Person sitzt im Fahrzeug, zwei weitere prüfen Motorraum und Kofferraum. — © Response Fotografie

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AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY

The automotive industry strives to make the driving experience of the future both safe and comfortable. Contemporary vehicles differ significantly from those produced only a few years ago. A key responsibility of safety engineers is to ensure that driver assistance systems operate safely and reliably. Additional tasks include the acquisition and processing of data, the development of technical solutions, and the execution of all necessary testing procedures.

Eine bPOC-Frau sitzt an einem Schreibtisch. Auf zwei Computerbildschirmen sind Satelliten und Daten zu erkenneen. — © istock

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AEROSPACE ENGINEERING

Aerospace engineering represents another key field of activity for safety engineers, where graduates of our programme contribute to the safe transport of people and goods. A current area of focus is the secure transportation of satellites into Earth’s orbit and ensuring their reliable operation. With the knowledge and skills acquired during your studies, you will conduct safety inspections and produce safety certifications. As a safety engineer, you play a crucial role in identifying and mitigating risks associated with the launch of such missions, thereby significantly contributing to their success.

Eine Frau schaut am Bildschirm auf einen Fehlerbaum. Im Hintergrund sieht man einen Mann und einen orangefarbenen Industrieroboter. — © Response Fotografie

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ROBOTICS

Robotics is a dynamic field where safety engineers play a vital role in ensuring the safe and reliable operation of automated systems. By analysing fault trees and other diagnostic tools, safety engineers identify potential hazards and implement measures to prevent system failures. Their expertise is essential in integrating robotics safely into industrial processes and advancing the development of intelligent automation.

3 junge Menschen stehen in ein Gespräch vertieft an einem Tresen. Auf Bildschirmen sind technische Konstrukte abgebildet. — © Response Fotografie

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ADDITIONAL POTENTIAL FIELDS OF EMPLOYMENT

Mechanical Engineering
Automation Technology
Information Technology
Software Development
Maritime Engineering
Classification and Inspection Societies
Freelance Activities
Consulting Firms
Government Agencies

Studierende der Hochschule Ruhr West tauschen sich in entspannter Atmosphäre aus. Das Bild zeigt die Vielfalt, Offenheit und gelebte Gemeinschaft an der HRW – zentral für ein modernes, interkulturelles Studium.

Important Information for International Students

International students, particularly those from countries outside the European Economic Area, are required to undergo a specialised application procedure. This enables Ruhr West University of Applied Sciences to assess their documents in such a manner that academic success appears realistically achievable based on verified qualifications and evidence of university entrance eligibility.

Please note the following:

The programme is predominantly conducted in German. Therefore, proof of sufficient German language proficiency is indispensable. At Ruhr West University of Applied Sciences, you also have the opportunity to further develop your German language skills. Please do not hesitate to contact us.
In addition, you must submit your application via Uni-Assist.
We only accept application documents in German or English. Certified translations must be provided at the time of application.

Further Informations

Application process

The application phase for the approval-free Bachelor’s degree programmes for the coming winter semester begins on 01. May 2025 and ends on 15. September 2025. Applications can only be submitted online via our application portal.

If you have any questions, please contact the application support team.

What our graduates say

"During our studies, we developed technical solutions to questions of safety for people and the environment. A wide range of specialisations were possible in elective subjects. Today, I also pursue my interest in software in my job. Testing memories and programmable safety controllers for industrial systems is my personal highlight. I apply a lot of what I learnt during my studies in the varied, international projects. The course content provides a good and versatile basis for developing specific skills."

Tobias Timm, 2022

Ein junger Mann mit Blanden Haaren, der ein blaues Polohemd trägt, dessen Kragen mit Streifen abgesetzt sind

"The Safety Engineering degree programme is quite unique. The degree programme combines reliability engineering, functional safety and people & technology and provides a broad range of specialist knowledge in the fields of safety engineering, natural sciences and technical and mathematical principles. This opens up a wide range of opportunities for graduates in the world of work. Students benefit from close dialogue with the professors. The Mülheim campus is well connected to the Ruhr region and easily accessible."

Larissa Perlitz, 2020